EU Defence Declassified

Additive manufacturing – or 3D printing – is becoming more accessible to all, thanks to lower costs and better software. It is also transforming how armed forces produce and deliver parts. With the right material and a machine, components can be reprinted in a matter of hours.In this new episode, Martin Huber, Project Officer for Additive Manufacturing and Logistics at EDA, explains how 3D printing is reshaping military logistics – and how troops could soon be deployed with their own mobile printing units. Joining him is Frederic Creusen, Innovation Manager at the Dutch Ministry of Defence. Together they dive into the materials and technologies behind on-demand production in the field.

Unlocking you phone with Face ID, searching for information on a search engine, using navigation apps, or tracking your daily 10,000 steps – all these everyday activities rely on AI. But AI is also becoming increasingly embedded in EU defence. For example, AI-powered imaging systems can detect threats during military operations, such as identifying an enemy ship or vehicle at long distances. Judith Dijk, Project Officer for Optronic Technologies at EDA, breaks down how these systems work and the technical challenges they pose. On the ethical side of AI, its responsible and lawful use, Liisa Janssens, researcher at the Technical University Delft, and an expert in AI and law, offers her insights.

Drones are changing modern warfare. Stephen O’Sullivan (EDA) explains how military drones, also known as unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), will fit into everyday air traffic, and reveals that an EDA drone training programme is already under discussion. Meanwhhile, Mikk Murumäe , Chief Technology Officer of drone manufacturer Threod Systems, explores how drones are being deployed in Ukraine and the lessons learned from real world operations.

The European Union’s 27 countries are strengthening their defences, with spending hitting a record €343 billion in 2024. Based on a rigorous methodology, EDA Defence Data offers the most accurate and comparable information on spending across the EU. Aleksandra Walczak (EDA), who helped draft EDA’s 2024-2025 defence data report, talks us through the numbers, explaining trends and what they mean for the future. Joining her is Juan Mejino-Lopez (Bruegel), who offers his insights on investment, innovation and the wider impact of Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine. 

Women have served in diverse and impactful roles throughout European military history. Despite their contributions, women remain a minority within the armed forces. Today, as the EU prioritises the UN Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda and NATO adapts its 2018 WPS policy to address current security challenges, a significant transformation is underway. In this episode, we investigate the barriers that hinder women from joining and advancing within the military. We also assess EU and Member States’s strategies to enhance women's participation, and review the progress made to date.